Frequently Asked Questions

How is Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc affiliated with Acton Academy?

Acton Academy del Mar, Inc is part of the network of over 270 Acton Academies around the world. We follow the same exact Learning Design (curriculum) and learning model that our owners helped create at the original Acton Academy campus.

What ages do you serve?

Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc. offers two studios:

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- Spark Studio, ages 4-7
- Elementary Studio, ages 7-12

What is your tuiton?

Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $16,000. There is a $2,000 non-refundable enrollment fee upon acceptance and ten monthly installments of $1,400. (Fees are subject to increases.)

Where is your school located?

Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc campus is located in Solana Beach, California.

How long is Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc in session each year and what is the school calendar?

We operate on a 10-month calendar with 1-2 week breaks between 4-6 week sessions. This design maintains their interest and retention. Our flexible schedule allows families to travel together throughout the year, as we believe this is a great opportunity for extrinsic learning.

Is Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc a Montessori School?

We respect and incorporate Maria Montessori’s philosophy, but we are not a Montessori school. In addition to Montessori methods, we use the latest interactive technologies, hands on projects and the Socratic Method for discussions.

What do you mean by “a hero’s journey”?

We believe that each of us has a special calling in life, and a series of trials and tests that must be faced with integrity and purpose in order to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. Our mission is to prepare your child for his or her special journey.

What is an “independent learner”?

Someone who can research questions, follow instructions, solve problems—admit that they don’t know something and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock without asking an adult for help — participate in discussions, and strive for mastery.

Does Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc serve special needs children?

We are not trained to serve children with serious learning disabilities but have been able to serve young heroes with dyslexia if they receive special training and believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed.

What do you mean by “every child can change the world?”

We believe each of our students will find a passion - something they love and have a gift to do. They will use this gift to serve others and fulfill a need they are passionate about in the world.

This may be by becoming a shoe-shiner who tells stories and makes people's day just by doing his job with love and vigor; it may be by becoming a coach who sees the light in a child's eyes and guides her to pursue a dream; it may be by becoming a father or mother who leads a family on a Hero's Journey; it may be becoming an entrepreneur or business leader guided by compassion and integrity; or it may be by becoming an artist or writer who brings beauty to people's lives.

What is a “running partner”?

Running Partners are classmates who meet together regularly to set goals and hold each other accountable for meeting those goals. Running Partners encourage and inspire each other by asking good questions, listening and providing affirmation.

Will children be grouped together by grades?

We believe that children learn best when working with those younger and older than themselves rather than split up into groups based solely on age.

Why a learner-driven classroom?

At Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc we believe in learning to be and learning to do and an important part of this is encouraging children to take responsibility for their own behavior and hold those around them to a high standard. When something isn’t working, we want our learners to work together to solve the problem, not look for an adult to solve it for them. This creates a sense of independence and confidence that will serve them well in all areas of life.

Is Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc accredited?

Yes the school is accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools.

How do you use technology in the classroom without students having too much screen time?

At Acton Academy Del Mar, Inc, we believe in the power of balance. Using the incredible, self-paced eLearning tools now available, we are able to provide the rigor needed for learning math, vocabulary, spelling and grammar in about 90 minutes each day, while freeing up the rest of the day for engaging, project-based learning. The two are highly complementary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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